Y
et in Greece, despite these challenges,
the potential to turn the page and embark
on an era of growth and prosperity con-
tinues to be present and strong. The Greek peo-
ple, entering the eighth year of crisis, have
throughout this period come full circle in achiev-
ing a level of self-awareness based on pragma-
tism and utter realism.
After the decades-long failure of the political elites,
the savage forces of populism took over the Greek
people. The deception that followed, coupled with
the most brutal recessionary measures that hit at
the heart of middle class households and busi-
nesses of every magnitude, unfortunately became
a necessary precondition to allow the healthiest
impulses of both individuals as well as civil society
to surface.
Our country’s greatest asset remains its people:
talented, ingenious and hard-working. They will
fuel and drive Greece’s march forward, unbur-
dened by the bad practices of the past, so that we
may stand as a nation back on our own two feet
and achieve our true and real potential.
Investment is a key ingredient in this process.
Greece will need 100 billion euros of investments
over a five-year period, in order to put a dent in
unemployment by creating 120,000 well-paying
jobs and unleash its exceptionally high capacity in
entrepreneurship and business initiatives. But in
order to attract such investment, Greece must
regain its credibility on the European and global
stage. And for this to happen, Greece needs an
effective and efficient government ready to take
full ownership of reforms
Made in Greece
, with
Trade with Greece
10
In early spring 2017, Greece finds itself once
again in an unnervingly precarious position.
Nine out of 10 Greeks consider that the country
is on the wrong path, while our credibility
abroad has sunken. Adding to this, a very tense
regional security landscape in the Western
Balkans and, of course, the Middle East, a
neighbour facing significant existential
questions, and rather serious concerns over
future migration flows.
Real reforms
Made in Greece
By Kyriakos Mitsotakis,
President of Nea Demokratia and Opposition Leader
